Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs time, predictions, how to watch (Oct. 2)

The Detroit Red Wings visit the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight in preseason action at Scotiabank Arena. Puck drop is at 7:00 p.m. ET on NHL Network. The game is the first of a back-to-back set between the Atlantic Division rivals this week.

Toronto plans to dress a near-opening-night lineup, with Anthony Stolarz starting in goal. Detroit continues to mix youth with veterans after a 3-1 win over Chicago. Both clubs are tuning special teams and line chemistry ahead of next week’s season start.

Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs game details and projected lines

The Maple Leafs are using this home date to finalize combinations. Max Domi is slated alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top unit. Veterans John Tavares and William Nylander anchor scoring on Line 2. Rookie Easton Cowan is expected to skate on the fourth line with Scott Laughton and Steven Lorentz.

Detroit continues to evaluate forward depth and right-shot defense. Cam Talbot, who stopped 27 of 28 shots in his last outing, projects to start again. The Red Wings leaned on goals from J.T. Compher, Michael Brandsegg-Nygard, and Lucas Raymond in the win over the Blackhawks. Staff will watch how their young defensemen handle Toronto’s cycle and crease traffic.

When/where to watch: Thursday, Oct. 2, 7:00 p.m. ET; NHL Network (U.S.). Venue: Scotiabank Arena.

Detroit projected lines
Copp – Larkin – Raymond
DeBrincat – Kasper – Brandsegg-Nygard
Söderblom – Lombardi – Appleton
Finnie – Rasmussen – Berggren

Detroit defense
Chiarot – Seider
Edvinsson – Johansson
Gustafsson – Sandin-Pellikka

Goalies
Talbot; Postava

Toronto projected lines
Knies – Matthews – Domi
McMann – Tavares – W. Nylander
Joshua – Roy – Maccelli
Lorentz – Laughton – Cowan

Toronto defense
McCabe – Tanev
Rielly – Carlo
Ekman-Larsson – Benoit

Goalies
Stolarz; Hildeby

What tonight means for both teams

Toronto is looking for a crisp exit game and fast neutral-zone counters with its top six. Faceoff reps for Tavares and zone-entry reps for Nylander are focal points. Stolarz is slated to go the distance. This gives the staff a clean read on rebound control, puck-handling, and communication with the blue line.

Detroit’s emphasis is on right-side puck movement and breakouts under pressure. Axel Sandin-Pellikka’s decision-making against Matthews’ line will be closely monitored. The Larkin line sets the forecheck tone, but secondary scoring from the Kasper-Brandsegg-Nygard unit could decide momentum shifts.

Special teams will get meaningful minutes. Toronto wants quicker puck movement on the half wall and traffic in front. Detroit will test entries with Raymond and DeBrincat. With both teams on a back-to-back, coaching staffs may shorten benches late if the game is tight.

Numbers, trends, and a sensible pick

Toronto’s preseason has swung with star deployment. When Matthews, Nylander, and Tavares dress together, shot share and high-danger looks rise sharply. Detroit has experimented across six preseason games and is still locking in pairings. The Maple Leafs’ first-line finishing and home-ice matchups are clear edges.

Editor’s pick: Toronto in regulation. Expect a fast first period and 5+ total goals if special teams get multiple reps. Detroit’s younger defense can still steal segments if Talbot repeats his form from Chicago.

Final word: The Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs preseason matchup offers one of the last clean reads before opening night. Expect Toronto’s top unit to drive pace, while Detroit evaluates blue-line poise and depth scoring. The main keyword here is simple: Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs—tune-up hockey with real roster stakes.

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